With its quaint architecture and waterside skyline, Gdansk has enough to rival more touristy Krakow. Gdansk saw both the start of World War II and the beginning of the end for the Iron Curtain, and the European Solidarity Centre marks Poland's history of fighting for freedom and democracy.

Don't let its 18th-century buildings fool you – the city was in ruins by 1945 and the buildings that now stand are mostly reconstructions, making Gdansk's beauty that much more impressive.

To compare Macau with the bright lights of the Vegas strip does a disservice to the region's unique heritage and charm. Part-Portuguese, part-Chinese, Macau's mix of architecture and food is unlike anywhere else in Asia... or the world, for that matter.

Throw in the fact that Macau is home to China's gambling hub and you have the perfect mixture of culture and fun. New transport links between Macau and the Chinese mainland mean it's easy to reach as well.

If you like the coastal location and food of Barcelona, try… Marseille and Lyon

Marseille has gone through 7bn euros of rejuvenation in recent years and it's also about to get easier to reach. Eurostar is extending its service this year, running trains direct from London to Marseille via Lyon and Avignon.

New boutiques and restaurants in the city combine with Lyon – France's foodie paradise – to make the trip a gastronomic delight to rival Barcelona's world-famous Boqueria.

Known around the world for its amazing forests and array of animals, the island of Costa Rica will be easier to reach from November when Thomson launches the first direct flights from Gatwick to the city of Liberia.

More than 60 national parks play host to breathtaking waterfalls and lush greenery, and that's before you reach the beaches.

It's the Islamic Capital of Culture for 2015, but Nizwa was the capital of Oman for more than 1,000 years until it was usurped by Muscat.

This year will see a series of events across the city to recognise its heritage. Explore further into Oman and travel across its rugged, mountainous landscape to discover a sparsely populated area largely untouched by the 21st century. While you're there, why not visit Jordan and see the city of Petra?

If you squint, Margate could resemble the French coast – on a very good day anyway. The seaside town can't compete with the likes of Brighton or Bournemouth for tourists, but what it lacks in modern sights it makes up for in charm.

The reopening of the Dreamland amusement park, which is home to the UK's oldest rollercoaster, could make Margate well worth a visit this summer.